The future of healthcare lies in a patient-centric approach where precision medicine will deliver treatments as per the unique needs of individuals. Compared with conventional therapeutics, precision biotherapeutics enable the targeted application of biotherapeutics derived from living organisms for the treatment of diseases. It focuses on the unique genetic makeup of the individuals. It also takes into account the lifestyle as well as environment of each patient.
Precision biotherapeutics find a narrow-spectrum of applications. It is patient-specific as well as disease-specific. It combines genomic- science with biotechnology. It focuses on the pathways and specific-molecules involved in any disease. Due to its very specific and precise approach, it has become less harmful than the conventional therapies. It involves the application and utilisation of the modern technologies like CRISPR for generic editing.
The applications of precision biotherapeutics cover the treatment of some major diseases. It has emerged as a better solution to counter the insidious disease of cancer. It includes the identification of specialised genetic mutations and development of drugs that specifically target these abnormalities of cells, thereby disrupting its growth. For example, the therapy has shown significant outcomes in targeting the HER2 protein, a growth factor receptor overexpressed in some breast cancer. Also, Pembrolizumab,a type of immunotherapy, utilises the body’s system to target and combat malignant cells. Apart from cancer treatment, precision biotherapeutics have left significant footprints in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases like HIV and some rare diseases.
Despite its vital applications, precision biotherapeutics remain hindered by significant challenges in terms of cost and complexity. The major obstacle includes resistance of cells to targeted therapies. Additionally, it requires extensive data analysis and clinical expertise to effectively translate genetic information into personalised treatment plans. Regardless of all these challenges, precision biotherapeutics hold promising and effective outcomes in healthcare.

Silpi Raychoudhury

University/College name : Rama Devi Women's University